Regular Town Board
12/8/11
The Regular Town Board meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM.
Supervisor Boisen led us in the Pledge to the Flag.
On roll call Board Members present were Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman MacDougal, Councilman Wrisley, Supervisor Boisen and Councilman LaForest.
Also present was Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk.
Councilwoman LaPine requested a moment of silence for Bud Cushing.
Discussion of Bills
The bills were discussed.
General Fund $12,021.17
Highway 11,779.85
Water 2,899.15
Lights 537.03
Sewer Operating 1,802.40
Sewer Capitol 100,755.36
Prepays
General 27,196.82
Highway 29,799.51
Water 1,731.33
Sewer Operating 375.96
Sewer Capital 54,602.92
Motion to accept bills as presented made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman
LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and
Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Zoning Officer Report
During the month of November, my activities consisted of the following:
11-2-11 Researched a zoning question for Kyle Wrisley. He would like to relocate his derby vehicle activity.
11-4-11 Called George Davis of 2783 Essex Road [tax map #40.65-1-3] to investigate a complaint from Jim Van Hoven about the same problem as 2 years ago. He had been rebuilding his stone walls and had to discontinue the activity because of road and bank repair due to erosion caused by high lake levels. We thought it would be best if Jim could talk to him.
Inspected Heather Lamb’s new porch at 130 School St. [tax map #40.3-3-18]. The fit to the house was very good.
Wrote a building permit #A-990 to Helen Coste and Jacqueline & William Thomas of 9 Gladd Lane [tax map #49.3-1-3] for a manufactured home. This also includes septic and pool relocation at a future date. Also included is demolition of previous home.
Inspected the above Coste-Thomas building site.
11-7-11 Asked Cathy DeWolff to work on a flood evaluation form. This would complement Supervisor Boisen’s report for 2 homes in the Whallonsburg area.
Using the new form, I inspected and evaluated property owned by Shellie and Russ Bailey at 1354 NYS Route 22 [tax map #57.2-6-4] and that owned by Chris Hoskins at 17 Tyrrell St. [tax map #49.69-1-2.002].
Inspected the Grange Hall at 1610 NYS Route 22 [tax map #48.76-1-4] for LP gas installation. Inspection passed.
Inspected the previously mentioned Coste-Thomas site during demolition.
11-8-11 Continued work on the FEMA report on Bailey and Hoskins properties for Supervisor Boisen.
Had an unexpected visit from Leslie Pearson of FEMA (DHOPS #1-571-422-1767). She wanted to know about setting up mobile units to bring people in to help area residents rebuild. I explained to her that the timing should have been earlier. After some discussion, I gave her a tour of Whallonsburg showing her our activity. This gave her a better understanding of our situation.
11-9-11 Worked on my Town Board report.
11-10-11 Called Lake Champlain Transportation Co. regarding replacement of the holding tank which had been damaged during the high water this spring. I monitored this project at 2758 Essex Road [tax map #40.65-3-1] for the next several days until the job was nearly completed. There is still some work to be done.
11-14-11 Met with Jim Van Hoven.
This afternoon I stopped at Essex Farms at 2503 NYS Route 22 [tax map #40.3-2-13.1]. There appeared to be some problem with the septic from the house. I provided the owner with names and telephone numbers to help facilitate repair.
11-15-11 Stopped at Todd Pierce residence at 2282 NYS Route 22 [tax map #40.3-1-6.001] I had a concern about the camper on site. Someone who was visiting had been living in it. This person has returned to his home and the camper is now vacant.
Checked on the demolition at the Coste-Thomas site at 9 Gladd Lane. The work is progressing well.
Stopped at Essex Farms to monitor septic tank pump-out. This took quite a while and didn’t finish until late in the day.
11-16-11 Finished up my FEMA reports to Supervisor Boisen.
Called Ben Hankins at DEC regarding Jerry Spooner’s concerns about protocol for fuel tank destruction. He has not returned my call.
Inspected Heather Lamb’s porch project at 130 School St. [tax map #40.3-3-18]. Some finish work was being done.
Inspected the Coste-Thomas site and spoke with Jackie and Helen. They had been given direction for site prep by Mark Buckley.
11-17-11 Visited Lewis Family Farm site off Middle Road to look at set-backs for new building. They appear to be ok.
11-17-11 Faxed subdivision papers to Roxford Group for a Larry Smead sub-division at 2264 Lake Shore Road [tax map #40.73-6-8]. He wants to separate the Cleland House from the rest of the property.
Inspected the Coste-Thomas site and met with contractor Gary Miller who is doing the site work. Power and water had already been put in the slab.
Looked up some information for Supervisor Boisen concerning the Mike Christian mining permit for 263 Brookfield Rd. [tax map #48.3-1-7]. He should not travel on Powers Road during March through June.
11-28-11 Inspected the Coste-Thomas site. They are in the process of laying down stones and dust.
11-29-11 Called the Codes Division about insulation for a slab. Had a prior discussion with the concrete contractor. It needs to be down 2 feet and out 2 feet.
Met with Adam Hainer of 82 Loukes Lane [tax map # 57.1-2-9] to discuss farm housing in part of the barn for 3 farm workers. He will complete forms and return them to me.
Went to see Mike Hance of 247 Sayre Road [tax map #48.3-1-13] with a tax map copy.
Respectfully submitted, David S. Lansing
Motion to accept Zoning Officer report as presented made by Councilman MacDougal. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman
LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and
Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Supervisor’s County Report
The budget has been the main topic at the County.
Minutes
The minutes for Budget Workshop 10/25/11 Budget Workshop 11/2/11, Regular
Board 11/10/11 and the Fuel Bid opening 11/1011 were discussed.
Motion to accept minutes as corrected was made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman
LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and
Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Old Business
Water meter update was given by Councilman LaForest. Councilman LaForest said he, Jim Morgan and Eugene Benway Individually checked the meters. There are 59 meters that are questionable. There are a number of different issues with the meters that need to be addressed. Supervisor Boisen said RD would not pay for new meters which will be for the sewer district residents only. EFC is being requested to pay for the meters now which will be for the sewer district residents only. We are waiting for an answer from them. Meters for the water district will have to be paid for by the Town. In order to qualify for a grant for the water district we must have working meters in place.
Wayne Ryan was going to try and have our report ready for tonight but he did not. He
would like to meet with one Board member and the Supervisor to go over the information he has put together before he brings it to the full Board. Councilman Wrisley said he would meet with them.
Councilman LaForest and Supervisor Boisen are working on a letter to go the water residents explaining why their bill is not based on usage. This letter will be sent with the fourth quarter bills.
Sewer update – finishing little projects at the plant. There may be a problem with the generator at the pump house. John Coonrod , the electrician and the engineer are meeting on Monday to check out the problem. Tina has been at training this week and last week.
New Business
Standard Medical Services agreement was discussed. Motion to give Supervisor Boisen permission to sign the agreement made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
The NCSPCA was discussed. Motion to give Supervisor Boisen to sign the agreement for $713 with the NCSPCA was made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by
Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
The resolution authorizing Supervisor Boisen to contract for $500 with North Country Life Flight, Inc. was discussed.
RESOLUTION #43 of 2011
December 8, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman LaForest, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
WHEREAS: North Country Life Flight, Inc. is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation which is responsible for all aspects of patient care by providing medical equipment, training medical personnel and administering the medical portion utilizing the New York State Police helicopter based in Saranac Lake and private fixed-wing aviation resources; and
WHEREAS: The New York State Police and private fixed-wing aviation resources
do not provide a medically trained team or medical equipment for patient transports; and WHEREAS: The people of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and St. Lawrence Counties receive a vital emergency medical service which is free of charge to critically ill and seriously injured patients, and, therefore municipal governments are asked to pledge monies for this worthwhile program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town Board of the Town of Essex hereby authorizes the Supervisor to enter into a contract with County Life Flight,
Inc. for the purpose of operating the medical component of the medevac program,
Which will serve its residents and visitors, and paying the amount of $500.00 which represents the Town’s share for 2012 and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the sum of $500.00 is hereby appropriated to
Account No. A4540.4 for payment to North Country Life Flight, Inc.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman Wrisley AND WAS ADOPTED.
Roll Call
Councilwoman LaPine -yes
Councilman MacDougal – yes
Councilman LaForest-yes
Councilman Wrisley-yes
Supervisor Boisen-yes
The resolution authorizing Supervisor Boisen to sign the Snow and Ice contract was discussed.
RESOLUTION #44 of 2011
December 8, 2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Wrisley, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Essex authorizes the Supervisor to sign Municipal Lump Sum Snow and Ice Extension Agreement for 2013-2014 contract extension.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman MacDougal AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman LaPine-yes
Councilman MacDougal-yes
Councilman LaForest-yes
Councilman Wrisley-yes
Supervisor Boisen-yes
Resolution #45 was discussed.
RESOLUTION # 45 of 2011
12/8/2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman MacDougal, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex Transfer $20,000 from Sewer Capital Project
Contingency to Administrative interest.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman LaForest AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman LaPine yes
Councilman MacDougal yes
Councilman Wrisley yes
Councilman LaForest yes
Supervisor Boisen yes
Resolution #46 was discussed.
RESOLUTION # 46 of 2011
12/8/2011
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY Councilman Wrisley, WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Essex Transfer $2,000 from Sewer Capital Project
Contingency to miscellaneous.
THIS RESOLUTION WAS DULY SECONDED BY Councilman MacDougal AND WAS ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL:
Councilwoman LaPine yes
Councilman MacDougal yes
Councilman Wrisley yes
Councilman LaForest yes
Supervisor Boisen yes
Jim Van Hoven’s resignation from the BAR was discussed. Motion to accept Jim Van Hoven’s resignation with thanks for his years of service and with regret made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilwoman LaPine. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes
The appointment to the Planning Board to replace Michelle Cassidy was discussed.
Motion to appoint Olive Alexander to the Planning Board for the remainder of Michelle Cassidy’s term was made by Supervisor Boisen. Seconded by Councilman LaForest.
Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes
The plow turn around was discussed. Motion to authorize Supervisor Boisen to sign turn around agreement with Gary Heurich was made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes
Adding another union member will be discussed in executive session.
The end of the year meeting will be 12/29/2011 at 10 AM.
The 2012 Organizational meeting will be Jan. 3, 2012 at 3PM.
The new Town Clerk’s 2012 office hours set by Cathy DeWolff will be 10 am to
5pm M-F and by appointment only on Saturday.
Review of the Town Employee Manual will also be in executive session.
Financial Reports
Town Clerk report was discussed. Motion to accept Town Clerk report as presented was made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal.
Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes
Water/Sewer rents report was discussed. Motion to accept reports as presented made by Councilwoman LaPine. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes
Supervisor’s report was discussed. Motion to accept Supervisor’s report as presented made by Councilman LaForest. Seconded by Councilman MacDougal.
Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Year end balances were discussed. Motion to give Supervisor Boisen permission to transfer budgeted funds from line item to line item and within funds for year end account balancing was made by Councilman MacDougal. Seconded by Councilman Wrisley. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
The Senior Citizen income allowance was discussed. The Board agreed to give
Supervisor Boisen permission to list the Senior Citizen income allowance at $25,000 per year agreement to the Office of Real Property.
The ACAP Early Head Start/Head Start letter of agreement was discussed.
Motion to give Supervisor Boisen permission to sign the ACAP Early Head Start/Head
Start agreement was made by Councilman LaForest. Second Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Motion to exit Regular meeting at 7:56 PM and enter executive session at 7:57 PM
Made by Councilman LaForest. Second Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
Motion to exit executive session at10:18 PM and reenter Regular Board meeting at
10:19 PM made by Supervisor Boisen. Second Councilman MacDougal. Roll call Councilwoman LaPine-yes, Councilman LaForest-yes, Councilman MacDougal-yes, Councilman Wrisley-yes and Supervisor Boisen-yes.
As a result of discussion in executive session the Town Board instructed Supervisor Boisen to notify the Union and the Highway that they will not be signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Essex and Teamsters Local 294.
The Board will meet again to discuss changes to the Town Employee Policy Manual.
As there was no further business to come before the Board Councilman MacDougal made the motion to adjourn. Second Councilman LaForest.
Meeting adjourned at 10:24 PM.
Respectfully submitted Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk
Revised by Catherine DeWolff
Town Clerk
